The main purpose of a private or public business is to maximize returns for shareholders.

A Different Control Structure.

Members of a co-op each own only one share. In a private or public business one or a few shareholders can own all or a majority of shares and may override the wishes of smaller shareholders. This cannot happen in a co-op because each member has only one share and one vote.

Co-ops are accountable and accessible. Co-ops publish local financial reports and hold local annual meetings to report on operations and answer questions. All co-op personnel, right up to the General Manager and President of the Board of Directors, are accessible to the customers.

A Different Distribution of Earnings.

In a co-op earnings are distributed to members based on their purchases during the year. In private business earnings are paid to shareholders based on the number of shares held.

In a co-op earnings are widely distributed based on member purchases. Over the past 10 years, over $2.3 billion in cash has been distributed to 1.8 million members across Western Canada. In private business all or most of the earnings can end up with one or a few shareholders.

As part of the community, co-ops try to operate in a responsible, quiet and considerate manner.

Co-ops return their earnings to local members, either in equity or cash. In either case the money stays in the local community. That means shopping at a co-op:
- helps to strengthen the local economy
- keeps profits at home
- provides employment and stability for people in the local community.

Being locally owned and controlled means that co-ops are there to meet the needs of local residents, not outside investors.

Co-ops believe in giving back to the community and typically support a wide range of charitable and community organizations that contribute to the social, cultural and recreational needs of the community.

Co-op employees are encouraged to volunteer with local community organizations.

Each individual co-op has its own way of contributing to the quality of life in its home community.

Co-ops aim to observe and apply, in all activities, the following ethical standards:

All claims, statements, information, advice and proposals shall be honest and factual.

Sufficient disclosure of pertinent facts and information shall be made to enable others to adequately judge the offered product, service or proposal, and its suitability for the purpose to be served.

Due regard shall be given to public decency and good taste.

Unfair exploitation in any form shall be avoided.

Comparison of co-op merchandising, products, services, philosophy, principles or practices to those of others shall only be made honestly and fairly, and without intent to harmfully disparage.

The interests of the membership as a whole shall be paramount to the interests of the institution.

The co-op shall aim to be equitable in the treatment of its members.

Knowingly advising or persuading individuals to take action that may not be in their best interests shall be avoided.

The test for compliance to this code shall be the effect of a communication or action on the ordinary or trusting mind. It is not sufficient that a discerning, knowledgeable, or analytical person may derive a correct interpretation if others may be misled.

Co-op stores are built to serve the local community and are typically small to medium sized stores that are easy to get into, easy to shop at and easy to get out of. Co-ops bag your groceries and offer carry-out service.

Product selection.

In addition to a good selection of your favourite national brand products, co-ops have private label products, which offer extra value and a no-hassle guarantee. Watch for CO-OP®, CO-OP® GOLD, CO-OP® MARKET TOWN®, CO-OP® CENTSIBLES™, CO-OP® CARE+® SONIC® and SHOPMASTER® brands, only available at co-op stores. For more information on food private label brands, visit www.storebrands.coop.

Quality meat.

Co-ops have a longstanding reputation for quality meat, which has been enhanced by '14 day aging and ¼ inch trim' policies. Full meat cutting service at most of co-op stores ensures a fresh product tailored to your individual requests. Marinated meats, ready-to-heat items and smokehouse products provide quality and convenience. BBQ chickens are 'Guaranteed available from 10:00 am until closing or they’re free'.

Quality produce.

FCL owns a produce company so co-ops can set and maintain high standards of quality. The 'Ripe and Ready' produce handling and storage methods ensure the finest quality fruit.

Quality bakery.

All baked products are trans-fat free (except for naturally occurring) and many are whole grain products. Co-op's Marvelous Muffins have more fruit.

Organic and natural food.

Co-ops have over 500 listings in the Pure Source organic and natural food category.

Local products.

Co-ops buy local products whenever possible.

Personalized service.

Co-ops strive to treat each customer as an owner of the business. They try to offer a friendly, pleasant shopping experience. Many people comment on the friendly, down-home, relaxed, rural atmosphere where the staff know you (and your kids) by name, and where they even sometimes remember your number. High Performance Service provides a noticeably different experience at the gas pumps.

If your purchases are for personal use they are not taxable and you can claim back this amount as pre-paid income tax by using box 22 of your T4A and including this amount on line 437 of your income tax return.

If your purchases are for business purposes the amount of your refund can be included as part of your income tax calculation.

The goal of the co-op is to provide value for your dollar. This does not mean that the price on every item will always match the lowest competitor's price. It does mean, however, that co-ops are consistently checking prices at competitors that offer the same level of quality and service to ensure that the prices represent fair value to co-op members.

The 'Value Priced Every Day' program offers everyday low prices on thousands of everyday items.

The very popular Warehouse Sales are offered four times a year at participating food stores.

Many co-ops offer Seniors' or Family Day discount promotions.

Co-ops stock reasonable quantities of products that are on sale and offer a liberal “rain check” policy.

Co-ops give you multiple item pricing on single item purchases.

Co-ops try to operate in a very cost-conscious manner and return any earnings to members either in cash or as equity.